SCALe

SCALe stands for Source Code Analysis Laboratory. SCALe can refer to one or more of the following three artifacts, all of which evaluate source code for adherence to secure coding standards: SCALe auditing framework, SCALe research prototype, and SCALe code Conformance Testing. Each is described below.

The Recommended Resources on the right provide detailed information about the SCALe tool, research, and conformance testing methods. Previous publications may not describe full current tool functionality or the current conformance testing procedures. Please contact the Secure Coding group with any SCALe-related questions.

The SCALe tool provides a GUI interface that an analyst uses to filter and prioritize alerts, as well as examine code associated with an alert. The SCALe tool provides an interface for the analyst to mark alert determinations (e.g., true or false), and provides back-end data storage for the audited code project. Some tool output formats are already integrated with the SCALe tool; the SCALe install and user manual explain the simple API that enables users to integrate new tools.

We provide the SCALe auditing framework tool to many DoD organizations and some non-DoD organizations for their use in evaluating their source code for adherence to secure coding standards.

SCALe Research Prototype

CERT researchers create varied SCALe research prototypes by modifying the SCALe auditing framework with new, experimental functionality. This prototype may be distributed to collaborators during a project. Often, much of the new functionality is eventually integrated into the regular SCALe auditing framework tool.

In CERT research projects, although we use a version of the same SCALe tool, we often use different processes than those used in SCALe code conformance testing. For example, a research project may use different rules for determining which alerts to audit or which alert determination lexicon to use. Recent research involving such prototypes focuses on alert classification and prioritzation.

SCALe Code Conformance Testing

We provide SCALe code conformance testing to those who request the service to evaluate their source code for its adherence to secure coding standards. The testing typically results in a report and the tested organization may earn a CERT SCALe Seal and certificates (if the code is judged to be conforming). For more information, see the SCALe Conformance Testing page.

Watch SCALe Videos

We assembled a collection of videos that demonstrate the use of SCALe auditing framework to evaluate code for its conformance to secure coding standards. View them on YouTube and contact us if you have questions.